DUBAI, UAE: Cricket Canada is under official scrutiny after the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ICC ACU) confirmed it has opened formal inquiries into suspected corruption, allegations that extend to a specific match during the recent T20 World Cup, jointly staged by India and Sri Lanka.
According to reports, the ACU is currently handling two active investigations into possible violations of the ICC’s anti-corruption code, covering both international and domestic cricket events.
Documentary triggers public scrutiny
The allegations first came to light through a Canadian investigative documentary titled Corruption, Crime and Cricket, which highlights serious concerns over the governance and ethical standards within Cricket Canada.
The ICC’s anti-corruption unit is investigating allegations of corruption involving Cricket Canada, one of which focuses on a Canada game from the recent men’s T20 World Cup pic.twitter.com/XcwN4hvaM9
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 17, 2026
A key allegation centres on Canada’s World Cup match against New Zealand. The documentary focuses on the fifth over of New Zealand’s chase, delivered by Canada’s captain Dilpreet Bajwa. Appointed just three weeks before the tournament, Bajwa conceded 15 runs in that over, including a no-ball and a wide.
Earlier in the innings, Canada opened with pace bowlers Jaskaran Singh and Dilon Heyliger, both of whom were expensive. The team turned to spin in the third over, with Saad Bin Zafar bowling a wicket maiden. Heyliger struck again in the next over before Bajwa’s costly single over.
🚨 ICC investigates Canada T20WC Match 🚨
ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit investigates Canada’s T20WC match against New Zealand at Chepauk.
Dilpreet Bajwa began the 5th over with No-Ball and Wide, he conceded 15 Runs when NZ were 35/2. [ESPNCricinfo]
📷 ICC pic.twitter.com/ZU6k4MDrjE
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) April 17, 2026
Leaked audio and selection pressure
A separate line of investigation involves a leaked phone conversation featuring former Canada head coach Khurram Chohan. In the recording, Chohan alleges that senior Cricket Canada officials pressured him to include specific players in the national squad. The audio, which surfaced last year, has been under ACU review ever since, with additional unsubstantiated references to attempted match-fixing.
Another former head coach, Pubudu Dassanayake, also claims he faced undue pressure over squad choices ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. He alleges he was threatened with contract termination after refusing to select certain players and is now pursuing legal action against Cricket Canada for wrongful dismissal.
Administrative turmoil and financial issues
Cricket Canada has endured significant leadership instability over the past year. Controversy surrounded former chief executive Salman Khan, whose appointment drew ICC scrutiny due to undisclosed prior criminal charges. He has since been charged by Calgary Police with theft and fraud, allegations he denies. Arvinder Khosa was recently elected as the new board president, replacing Amjad Bajwa.
The documentary also highlights delayed player payments, including unpaid prize money from the 2024 T20 World Cup. National players reportedly lacked formal contracts from July 2025 and were only placed on short-term retainers ahead of this year’s tournament.
Big breaking 🚨
A Canadian documentary named ” Corruption, Crime and Cricket has alleged that a specific over from Canada captain Dilpreet Bajwa, where he began with a no-ball, followed by a wide, and conceded 15 runs.
The game in question was between Canada and New Zealand… pic.twitter.com/Hi9kulf2fV— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) April 17, 2026
ICC integrity unit responds
Andrew Ephgrave, ICC Interim General Manager of the Integrity Unit, addressed the matter in a detailed statement. He said the ACU is aware of the CBC broadcast but cannot comment on specific allegations due to standard operating procedures. He added that governance issues involving ICC members are handled under the ICC’s constitutional processes when jurisdiction applies.
Ephgrave outlined the ACU’s three core functions, intelligence, prevention and education, and investigation, stating they operate concurrently wherever credible risks to the sport’s integrity emerge.
Regarding alleged links to organized crime mentioned in the documentary, including a former player’s claim of being threatened, Ephgrave clarified that such matters fall outside the ACU’s mandate and should be referred to domestic law enforcement agencies.
